Government committed to inclusive growth

Ellina Mhlanga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

SPORT, Recreation, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya has said the Government remains committed to promoting inclusivity and gender equity across all platforms.

Jesaya, who was represented by acting permanent secretary in the Ministry, Cynthia Mawema, reiterated the Government’s commitment when speaking at the official opening of the third intake of the Women Leadership Programme in Harare yesterday. The WLP is a Regional Programme initiated by the African Union Sports Council Region 5 in partnership with The Association for International Sport for All under the theme, “Empower one, Empower multitudes.”

It is run by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and Sports and Recreation Commission in partnership with the AUSC Region 5 and TAFISA.

“Since its inception in 2021, the Women Leadership Programme has become a defining platform for empowering women in sport leadership across Zimbabwe.

“Through the valued partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe and the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, this initiative has grown in both impact and influence.

“As Government, we recognise that sport is far more than recreation. It is a powerful vehicle for social transformation, unity and empowerment.

“Guided by Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), we are committed to inclusive growth driven by innovation, accountability and human capital development.

“NDS1 challenges all sectors — including sport — to be people-centred and gender-responsive, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“In that spirit, the Ministry continues to promote good governance, professional management and equitable opportunities for both women and men in sport,” said Jesaya.

Jesaya said despite making progress in terms of efforts being made towards gender equity, women remain under-represented in leadership and decision-making roles, with many still facing systemic barriers — from unequal access to resources to entrenched cultural attitudes.

And underscored the role of the WLP in addressing those challenges.

“The Women Leadership Programme exists to confront those barriers head-on — to open doors, build capacity, and prepare women to lead and influence the future of Zimbabwean sport.”

WLP seeks to train young women drawn from across the country’s 10 provinces in sport leadership.

Through its mentorship and coaching framework, the programme builds confidence, competence, and purpose among participants.

Twenty-five participants have been recruited for this intake, with some coming from as far as Nkayi in Matabeleland North, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Mashonaland East, Midlands, Harare and Mashonaland Central.

The participants are from different organisations, including national sports associations.

WLP country coordinator, Sarah Charakupa, giving an overview of the programme said: “It is a response by the AUSC Region 5 to the perpetual issue of marginalisation of women from leadership of sport and decision making positions.”

The mentees will attend bi-monthly two-days face-to-face tutorials with their trainers, addressing theoretical content in 12 modules for a period of eight months with clear case study assignments on leadership and management of a sporting business organisation.

The first session got underway yesterday and runs until today.

Lady Chevrons player Nomvelo Sibanda, who is one of the participants, is excited to be part of the pro-gramme.

“When I saw this opportunity, I felt like this was actually my time to take up that role and inspire young athletes in sports to actually take these roles in the future and then make a career out of it.

“I am looking forward to grow as a person in terms of skill sets, my knowledge and obviously empower others through what I would have been empowered with as well,” said Sibanda.

Sports and Recreation Commission acting director-general Peter Mudzimiri said they will continue to champion programmes that promote gender equity.

“As the Sports and Recreation Commission, we are committed to ensuring that gender equity goes beyond policies and words but becomes a reality.

“We will continue to champion initiatives that nurture strong, capable, and visible women leaders in sport,” he said.